Since 2012, Jon Coles has been Chief Executive of United Learning, a group of independent schools and academies established 130 years ago.

Prior to this, his career in the Department for Education included four years on the Board as Director General and was responsible for a wide range of policy areas, such as the review of the National Curriculum, the Academies Act 2010, and National Challenge.As Director of 14-19 Reform, he led the drive to raise participation post-16 and attainment at 19, reduce NEET numbers, and reform curriculum and qualifications.As Director of London Challenge, Jon was responsible for developing and implementing the strategy to improve secondary education in London, which also led to similar approaches in other parts of the country.

Jon was responsible for various Green and White Papers and took the 2002 Education Act through Parliament. A qualified secondary teacher, his previous jobs included implementing the infant class size pledge, and a period of cross-government strategy work at the Cabinet Office.

"The day was superb, and although full of plenty of deep thinking, it also had a very relaxed and welcoming feel to it." - Dominic Wyse, Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education

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I found LFE a truly inspiring occasion. It had lively, stimulating and relaxing environment where all the participants were able to enjoy the enriching festival activities, at the same time adding to their knowledge the experiences of different aspects of education.- Kausar Ali, Teacher and Contributor

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"...the Festival was absolutely fantastic. It was lively, stimulating, imaginative and fun. My own regret is not being able to attend all the sessions. Congratulations. What an achievement." - Anne Nicholls, Communications and PR consultant, AN Communications

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